KARACHI – Mayor of Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has stressed that the federal and local governments must work together to address the city’s challenges, insisting that Karachi cannot be effectively governed from Islamabad.
Speaking about the current situation in the metropolis, Wahab said that the authority of local government representatives needs to be strengthened. “The system of Karachi must be run locally. It cannot be dictated from Islamabad,” he remarked, adding that development work across the city is now being resumed.
Responding to critics, Wahab lashed out at political opponents, questioning whether constant criticism would resolve issues. He cited figures, claiming that Jamaat-e-Islami had received Rs14 billion for road-cutting projects but their constructed roads deteriorated within days. “If I can prove that Rs27 billion has been allocated, will my opponents hold a press conference against me?” he challenged.
The mayor further revealed that Rs28 billion has been earmarked for Karachi’s ongoing development projects. Taking a swipe at JI leader Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, Wahab noted that even members within Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi were dissatisfied, suggesting that this was why Hafiz Naeem had shifted focus to Lahore.
On a lighter note, Wahab expressed hope that the upcoming Pakistan-India cricket match would bring joy to the nation and that Pakistan would emerge victorious.
